By Steve Williams
Halls High cheerleaders have been spreading a lot of joy during the holidays.
It’s something cheer coach Cheri Duncan’s squad annually does as Holiday Helpers and The Focus likes to shine a spotlight on all local high school student-athletes for their community service this time of year.
“They painted faces and handprint potholders for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital,” said Duncan.
“We adopted two girls from the Halls community and purchased items that they requested for Christmas! We spent the afternoon eating, wrapping and socializing!”
Two of Duncan’s cheerleaders commented on the joy they received too for their acts of goodwill.
“I have learned over time that by helping others, you help yourself as well,” said Kraven Clinkscales.
Skylar Frye added: “Giving back to my community and participating in events I enjoyed as a child is always such an enjoyable and heart-warming experience! I thoroughly enjoy any and every opportunity I get to give back to the community that made me ME.”
Hawkettes learn to dance during holidays
Kaylee Pulvirenti is in her second year as head coach of the dance program at Hardin Valley Academy and she has continued a holiday tradition in the Hardin Valley community.
“Students from Hardin Valley Elementary School and Hardin Valley Middle School joined the Hardin Valley Academy dancers for a dance camp and at a HVA basketball game on Dec. 3 to perform,” said Pulvirenti, who shared some photos of the fun event for Focus readers to enjoy. “The little ones are known as the Hawkettes!”
Kaylee added: “We also have done some community service this year. The team volunteered at the Hardin Valley Elementary annual Hoedown and at Compassion Closet in Farragut.”
Central cheer team praised as ‘most helpful’
Central High’s cheerleaders volunteered at East Tennessee Children Hospital’s Fantasy of Trees for four hours on Saturday, Nov. 27 and earned a nice compliment while there.
“The guy over our booth noted that our girls were the most helpful group he had thus far participating,” said Coach Kara Cardwell.
The CHS cheer team also was scheduled to volunteer at the Elf off the Shelf Run this past Saturday.
CHS Santa Christmas packages prepared
Several Central High student-athletes worked to help prepare Central Santa Christmas packages this holiday season.
“Our Counselor Vanessa Smith and Amie Leonard, our KCS School Social Worker, coordinated with Bobcat families, school teams and the community to provide an extra special effort to touch lives of our students and families with Christmas cheer,” said volleyball coach Susan Davidson.
Justus Hayes (Project U-Matter representative) and Ms. Smith were just two of the busy little Elves!
Gracie Owen, a junior on the volleyball team, and Allie Gregory, a sophomore on the volleyball and tennis teams, helped Ms. Leonard with the packages. Also close by if needed was Foster, the CHS Habit Dog!
Hadlie DeFoe, a junior, and senior Bella Bryant were CHS volleyball team Elves and Jayden Hughes, with Project U-Matter, also helped Ms. Smith prepare Christmas packages and spread holiday cheer for the Bobcats!
Karns footballers to volunteer for Salvation Army
Lee Warren, an assistant football coach at Karns, said the Beavers will have a few players volunteering for the Salvation Army today (Dec. 20) from 10 in the morning until noon at the Kroger on Middlebrook.
BHS basketball takes part in Weigel’s Family Christmas
“Weigel’s Family Christmas is an annual event that we are proud to be a part of,” said Coach Jeremy Parrott.
The Bulldogs tweeted several pictures from the event that can be seen on line plus left this message on Bearden Basketball @ BeardenHoops:
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali.
